Among the former players Bailey, out of Lakewood High School, said he would consult are current NFL rookies Robert Woods and T.J. McDonald.

“(Woods) and T.J. try to guide us,” Bailey said. “They tell us who to talk to and what to look at when making a decision. Watching them succeed gives us confidence that there’s a place for us in the NFL.”

Unlike most players, Bailey said he would not seek an opinion from the NFL on where he would get drafted. He used former cornerback Nickell Robey, who was not drafted last year after turning pro early, as an example.

“They said Nickell would go undrafted and he didn’t get undrafted and he’s starting at nickel back in the NFL (for the Buffalo Bills),” Bailey said.

Other Trojans who must decide what to do include wide receiver Marqise Lee, linebacker Hayes Pullard, center Marcus Martin and linebacker Lamar Dawson. Lee is considered a done deal to turn pro while the other players will weigh their options.

Orgeron up for award

Despite being an interim coach with only six games experience, Ed Orgeron was one of 16 coaches named a semifinalist for the Maxwell Club Collegiate Coach of the Year Award. Ironically, Duke coach David Cutcliffe, who Orgeron replaced at Ole Miss, is also one of the semifinalists.

Orgeron did not want to say much about being nominated.

“We don’t single out an individual,” Orgeron said. “We play as a team. We are a group of men that has galvanized.”

Williams can do better

Defensive tackle Leonard Williams drew high praise from Haden earlier this week, when Haden tweeted Williams was one of the top-five USC players he saw in the past 40 years.

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“I wouldn’t say I’ve had a great season,” Williams said. “I wanted 10 sacks and I’ve got five so far. I want 10 by the end of the season.”

Williams said he was gratified by Haden’s comments.

“There’s been so many great players at USC in the past 40 years,” he said. “To be in the top five is crazy. I never think that highly of myself. I didn’t expect it.”

Colorado connection

Colorado wide receiver Paul Richardson, who attended Serra High School in Gardena, is good friends with Bailey and cornerback Josh Shaw.

“Paul is special,” Shaw said. “If you ask me, he’s the best receiver I have seen on film this year.”

Bailey, who made a big interception against Stanford after he correctly read a play before the snap, complimented defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast for allowing him to play with freedom.

“Coach P does not limit my freedom much,” Bailey said. “I have a lot of freedom to use my instincts and make plays on the ball. Last week, I was able to take advantage of it.”

Steak for dinner

Orgeron’s continued campaign to make USC players happy included barbecuing 16-ounce steaks for dinner Wednesday night.